CPR & AED Instructions
CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is used in times of cardiac arrest (the stoppage of normal blood flow to the heart) or respiratory arrest (the stoppage of normal breathing). An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) injects jolts of electricity into the body and helps to establish the heart back to normal beating rhythm.
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How To Perform Basic CPR
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Taking a few hours on a weekend and becoming certified in CPR training is an investment that can save lives. But if someone finds themselves in a situation where a stranger has stopped breathing and they aren't certified, they shouldn't fret. Knowing how to perform CPR is easy as long as you can remember a few simple tips:
Make sure CPR is done in a safe place. Check breathing and heart rate first. With the victim on his back, put an ear to his mouth to check for breathing and an ear to his chest to listen for a heartbeat. If he isn't breathing, examine the airways for debris. If there is no breathing and you feel no pulse, CPR is in order.
Position the victim in a way that opens up the airways--tilt the head back, keep the chin up and keep the victim straight so that air can easily go in and out.
Pinch the nostrils shut and breathe two short breaths into the victim's mouth. Make sure no air can escape between your and the victim's mouths so that the victim's lungs are receiving maximum air.
How To Perform Chest Compressions
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If CPR is not resuscitating a victim, chest compressions, or the use of the AED, may be needed.
To perform chest compressions, find the victim's sternum (the long flat bone in the center of the chest) and measure two finger widths from the bottom of the sternum toward the victim's neck. This is where the compressions will take place. Please note: Exact measurements are not necessary. In times of distress, use these as guidelines.
Lock your elbows and use your body weight (not just your arm weight) to compress the victim's chest no more than 2.5 inches in depth. You'll need to do this fast as you'll be compressing 12 to 15 times over a 10-second duration. Don't push too hard or you could break a rib or two.
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Using an AED
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An AED should only be used by professionals or trained volunteers and should never be used as a toy.
According to AmericanHeart.org, an AED determines the heart rate of a victim in cardiac arrest and, if needed, will shock the victim's heart in an attempt to restore its rhythm to normal. To use an AED, place the negative pad on the victim's right upper chest. Then put the positive electrode on the victim's left chest/side just below the nipple and pectoral muscle.
The AED will then indicate if a shock is required. If so, make sure that everyone is clear. Now, press the shock button on the AED machine to deliver the first shock. Immediately following the shock, begin CPR. Continue to do this until professional help arrives.
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